Buckle assembly with interchangeable face member

ABSTRACT

A buckle assembly having a plurality of removable and interchangeable ornamental face plates. The buckle assembly includes a primary buckle component, a secondary buckle component and the face member components. The primary and secondary buckle components are selectively securable, i.e. male/female, to form a belt into a loop. The face plate members have a plurality of fasteners insertable into a plurality of receptacles on an outer surface of the primary buckle component. An outer surface of the face plate member carries an ornamental design, such as, indicia, a logo, a picture, words, or color. A single buckle assembly may include a plurality of face plate members to provide varying ornamental designs.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/943,713, filed on Feb. 24, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a customizable buckle assembly that permits quick and efficient attachment of indicia (for example, a logo, a phrase, or a design) to said buckle assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a buckle assembly comprising a removable and interchangeable face member that can be quickly and efficiently mounted to a weight-bearing chassis on at least one side, and typically a forward facing surface or said buckle assembly.

Conventional buckles frequently comprise two mating members—a first (male) member and a second (female) member. Each member is connected to one end of an item—such as, for example, a belt, a strap, or the like—that is to be joined using the buckle assembly. The male and female members can be easily and conveniently latched (joined) or unlatched (disconnected) as desired.

Conventional buckle assemblies can be constructed of many different materials. One fairly common type of buckle assembly, which is frequently constructed or hard plastic or other synthetic materials, comprises a fixed, molded mail piece that can be received in a mating relationship within a fixed, molded female piece.

Such conventional buckle assemblies may be decorated otherwise adorned at the time of manufacture. Such decoration or adornment can represent a group or organization to which the wearer belongs or otherwise has some affiliation or affection. Alternatively, the decoration or adornment may be purely artistic or fashion or other purposes.

One drawback of such conventional decoration or adornment affixed at the time of manufacture is that it is permanent. If the wearer wants a different decoration or adornment, one is required to purchase a second or additional buckle assembly for each desired different decoration or adornment. In addition, if the decoration or adornment on a particular buckle assembly is marred or damaged, the wearer must replace the entire buckle assembly or even belt. The need for multiple decorations or adornments on a buckle assembly also complicates the manufacturing process as the machine that creates the buckle assemblies must be configurable to manufacture buckle assemblies with different decorations or adornments.

Accordingly, there is a need for a buckle assembly that provides for the use of replaceable and/or interchangeable decorations or adornments on a single buckle assembly, that is both easy to manufacture and easy to use. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a buckle assembly having a primary buckle component, a secondary buckle component and a face member component. The primary buckle component has a first end and a second end with the first end being attachable to an end of a belt strap. The secondary buckle component has a first end and a second end with the first end attachable to an opposite end of the belt strap. The second end of the secondary buckle component is removably attachable to the second end of the primary buckle component. The face member component is attachable to an outer surface of the primary buckle component. The face member component has an ornamental design on an outward facing surface when attached to the outer surface of the primary buckle component.

The face member component preferably has a plurality of fasteners disposed on an inward facing surface. The plurality of fasteners are insertable into a plurality of receptacles on the outer surface of the primary buckle component. The ornamental design on the face member component comprises indicia, a logo, a design, or words. The ornamental design may be printed, screened, stamped, molded, adhered, or painted on the outward facing surface of the face member component.

The face member component is removably or permanently attachable to the outer surface of the primary buckle component. Furthermore, the face member component is removable and a second face member component is attachable to the outer surface of the primary buckle component.

The second end of the primary buckle component has an opening to a receptacle within the primary buckle component. The second end of the secondary buckle component has a plurality of prongs that are removably insertable through the opening into the receptacle. The receptacle and the plurality of prongs are configured to matingly engage one another. At least one of the plurality of prongs is resiliently flexible and received in a side aperture of the receptacle so as to removably retain the second end of the secondary buckle component attached to the second end of the primary buckle component.

The buckle assembly of the present invention comprises two mating members—a primary buckle component and a secondary buckle component. These primary and secondary buckle components can be referred to as male and female connectors when one is received within the other. While the following description focuses on a male/female type of assembly, other types of assemblies include a frame with a prong and bar, a hook and catch, and a box-out or box-frame buckle. Each of these types of buckles provide a mechanism for attachment of a face or display member component as described below.

The buckle assembly of the present invention may further comprise a face or display member component that can be removable attached to an outer surface of the buckle assembly. The removable attachment of the face member component to the buckle assembly allows for quick and efficient mounting of said face member component onto the buckle assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the primary and secondary buckle components of the present invention (sometimes referred to as a chassis) can be manufactured in mass quantities, thereby insuring a more efficient overall process with a lower cost and quicker availability. If desired, the face member component can be manufactured in smaller quantities, as needed, with a quicker turn-around time.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a buckle assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a is a back view of a primary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 2 b is a side view of a primary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 2 c is a front view of a primary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 2 d is a front perspective view of a primary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 2 e is an end view of a primary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 3 a is a back view of a secondary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 3 b is a side view of a secondary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 3 c is a front view of a secondary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 3 d is a front perspective view of a secondary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 3 e is an end view of a secondary buckle component of the present invention;

FIG. 4 a is a back view of a face member component of the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a side view of a face member component of the present invention;

FIG. 4 c is a front view of a face member component of the present invention;

FIG. 4 d is a front perspective view of a face member component of the present invention;

FIG. 4 e is a back perspective view of a face member component of the present invention;

FIG. 4 f is an end view of a face member component of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, the buckle assembly of the present invention is generally referred to by reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1. The individual components of the buckle assembly 10 represent the primary buckle component 12, the secondary buckle component 14, and the face member component 16, shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 e, 3 a-3 e, and 4 a-4 f, respectively.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the buckle assembly 10 of the present invention comprises a primary buckle component 12 and a secondary buckle component 14—collectively defining a chassis when joined—and a face member component 16. By way of illustration, but not limitation, the buckle assembly 10 and its various components can be constructed of molded plastic or other synthetic material. However, it is to be observed that other materials, including metal, can also be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The buckle assembly 10 of the present invention can also be constructed in a variety of different sizes and configurations.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary buckle component 12 comprises a female member defining an inner chamber or cavity 18 accessible by an opening 20, as well as, a first end 12 a and a second end 12 b. One end 22 a of a belt or loop member 22 is disposed at the first end 12 a of the primary buckle component 12, providing an attachment point to secure the belt or loop member 22 to the female member 12. The opening 20 into the internal chamber or cavity 18 is provided on the second end 12 b of the primary buckle component 12. The opening 20 to the inner chamber or cavity 18 allows the secondary buckle component 14—preferably a male member defining at least one prong extension—to pass there through and enter the inner chamber or cavity 18. The primary buckle component 12 may also comprise one or more apertures 24 on a side of the inner chamber or cavity 18.

As described above, the secondary buckle component 14 preferably comprises a male member configured to fit matingly with the primary buckle component 12. The male member 14 has a first end 14 a and a second end 14 b, wherein the first end 14 a has an attachment point to secure an opposite second end 22 b of the belt or loop member 22. The second end 14 b of the male member 14 has one or more prong extensions 26—typically at least two prongs extensions but preferably three prong extensions—configured to pass through the opening 20 and enter the inner chamber or cavity 18 of the female component 12 as described above. At least one of the prong extensions 26 a is generally oriented along a center-line 28 and is rigid in construction. One or more side prong extensions 26 b, 26 c may comprise resiliently flexible prong extensions.

When the female component 12 and male component 14 are joined together, the side prong extensions 26 b, 26 c are configured to be receivable within the apertures 24 within the inner chamber or cavity 18, thereby securing the male member 14 in place within the inner chamber or cavity 18. The apertures 24 are configured to receive the one or more resiliently flexible prong extensions 26 b, 26 c so as to securely connect the secondary buckle component 14 to the primary buckle component 12 and lock the same in place until the resiliently flexible prong extensions 26 b, 26 c are released.

The male member 14 is releasable from the female member 12 by pushing or depressing each of the resiliently flexible prong extensions 26 b, 26 c toward the center-line 28 such that they are removed from the apertures 24 in the inner chamber or cavity 18. Such release of the resilient flexible prong extensions 26 b, 26 c from the apertures 24 unlocks the male member 14 from the female member 12 and permits removal of the same.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the buckle assembly 10 also comprises an interchangeable face member component 16. Said interchangeable face member component 16 comprises a face plate or display that is removably or permanently installed on an outer surface 30 of the primary buckle component 12. The face member component 16 may copy the shape of the primary buckle component 12 or have a different shape. The interchangeable face member component 16 has a plurality of fasteners 32 on a back side or inward facing surface 34 thereof. The plurality of fasteners 32 are configured to engage a plurality of receptacles 36 disposed on the front side or outer surface 30 of the primary buckle component 12.

The face member component 16 may be permanently or removably attached to the buckle assembly 10. Where the face member component 16 is removably attached, the buckle assembly 10 may include a plurality of face member components 16. Each face member component 16, whether permanently or removably attached to the buckle assembly 10, may be manufactured in a variety of colors and/or have an ornamental design 38, such as an indicia, a logo, a design, or a phrase printed, screened, stamped, molded, or otherwise affixed to an outward facing surface 40. The versatility of the face member component 16, especially when removable or interchangeable, allows for customization of each buckle assembly 10 with a design or ornamentation of the wearer's choosing.

The buckle assembly 10 described herein has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A buckle assembly, comprising: a primary buckle component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the primary buckle component is attachable to an end of a belt strap; a secondary buckle component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the secondary buckle component is attachable to an opposite end of the belt strap; wherein the second end of the secondary buckle component is removably attachable to the second end of the primary buckle component; and a face member component attachable to an outer surface of the primary buckle component, wherein the face member component has an ornamental design on an outward facing surface when attached to the outer surface of the primary buckle component.
 2. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the face member component has a plurality of fasteners disposed on an inward facing surface, and the plurality of fasteners are insertable into a plurality of receptacles on the outer surface of the primary buckle component.
 3. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the ornamental design comprises indicia, a logo, a design, or words.
 4. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the ornamental design is printed, screened, stamped, molded, adhered, or painted on the outward facing surface of the face member component.
 5. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the face member component is removable and a second face member component is attachable to the outer surface of the primary buckle component.
 6. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of the primary buckle component has an opening to a receptacle within the primary buckle component, and the second end of the secondary buckle component has a plurality of prongs that are removably insertable through the opening into the receptacle.
 7. The buckle assembly of claim 6, wherein the receptacle and the plurality of prongs are configured to matingly engage one another.
 8. The buckle assembly of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of prongs is resiliently flexible and received in a side aperture of the receptacle so as to removably retain the second end of the secondary buckle component attached to the second end of the primary buckle component.
 9. A buckle assembly, comprising: a primary buckle component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the primary buckle component is attachable to an end of a belt strap; a secondary buckle component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the secondary buckle component is attachable to an opposite end of the belt strap; wherein the second end of the primary buckle component has an opening to a receptacle within the primary buckle component, and the second end of the secondary buckle component has a plurality of prongs that are removably insertable through the opening into the receptacle; and a face member component having a plurality of fasteners disposed on an inward facing surface, wherein the plurality of fasteners are insertable into a plurality of receptacles on an outer surface of the primary buckle component, wherein the face member component has an ornamental design on an outward facing surface when attached to the outer surface of the primary buckle component.
 10. The buckle assembly of claim 9, wherein the ornamental design comprises indicia, a logo, a design, or words.
 11. The buckle assembly of claim 9, wherein the ornamental design is printed, screened, stamped, molded, adhered, or painted on the outward facing surface of the face member component.
 12. The buckle assembly of claim 9, wherein the face member component is removably or permanently attachable to the outer surface of the primary buckle component.
 13. The buckle assembly of claim 9, wherein the face member component is removable and a second face member component is attachable to the outer surface of the primary buckle component.
 14. The buckle assembly of claim 9, wherein the receptacle and the plurality of prongs are configured to matingly engage one another.
 15. The buckle assembly of claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of prongs is resiliently flexible and received in a side aperture of the receptacle so as to removably retain the second end of the secondary buckle component attached to the second end of the primary buckle component.
 16. A buckle assembly, comprising: a primary buckle component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the primary buckle component is attachable to an end of a belt strap; a secondary buckle component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the secondary buckle component is attachable to an opposite end of the belt strap; wherein the second end of the primary buckle component has an opening to a receptacle within the primary buckle component, and the second end of the secondary buckle component has a plurality of prongs that are removably insertable through the opening into the receptacle; and a face member component attachable to an outer surface of the primary buckle component, wherein the face member component has an ornamental design on an outward facing surface when attached to the outer surface of the primary buckle component, wherein the ornamental design comprises indicia, a logo, a design, or words and is printed, screened, stamped, molded, adhered, or painted on the outward facing surface of the face member component.
 17. The buckle assembly of claim 16, wherein the face member component has a plurality of fasteners disposed on an inward facing surface, and the plurality of fasteners are insertable into a plurality of receptacles on the outer surface of the primary buckle component, and wherein the face member component is removable and a second face member component is attachable to the outer surface of the primary buckle component.
 18. The buckle assembly of claim 16, wherein the receptacle and the plurality of prongs are configured to matingly engage one another.
 19. The buckle assembly of claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of prongs is resiliently flexible and received in a side aperture of the receptacle so as to removably retain the second end of the secondary buckle component attached to the second end of the primary buckle component. 